Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On that issue of trust in politicians, the vast majority of those of us involved in politics are here for the right reasons. One thing I want the electoral commission to do is to restore that trust and to be involved in engagement with the public to ensure people are aware of what we do. That is critically important.

I outlined a number of good reasons that section 212, which provides for a ministerial power to hold public inquiries, has never been commenced, not least of which is that its intended purpose is a precursor for removing democratically elected members from office, a measure that could only be contemplated in very exceptional circumstances. Other concerns include the potential cost and legal complexities involved and whether there would be public support for such a far-reaching power to potentially suspend local government functions.

Transparency International Ireland carries out a very good survey of local government transparency. It is a very good piece of work, a barometer for local authorities to work by in improving transparency, public accountability and public participation in the democratic process.